Over-prescribing antibiotics has increased drug-resistant microbial infections. In this study, doctors reviewed 14 placebo-controlled upper respiratory tract trials, nine involving children only, and all using honey as a treatment along with standard care or placebo. Honey improved cough frequency in eight studies, and cough severity in five studies, compared to usual care; improved combined symptom scores in three studies, and performed better than placebo in two studies. Discussing the findings, doctors said, “Honey was superior to usual care for upper respiratory tract infections, and is a widely available, cheap alternative to antibiotics, helping efforts to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance.”
Healthy Insight: Honey for Lungs
